Obs. Also 5, 7 laken, 6 lakens. See also BYRLAKIN. [Contracted f. LADY + -KIN; cf. bodikins, pittikins.] Only in By (our) lakin, a trivial form of By Our Lady.

1

1496.  Dives & Paup. (W. de W.), II. xii. 121/2. Some [swere] by laken, some by our lady.

2

1533.  More, Apol., iv. Wks. 849/2. By our lakens brother husband … yet woulde I rather abyde the perill of breding wormes in my bely.

3

1610.  Shaks., Temp., III. iii. 1. By’r lakin, I can goe no further, Sir, My old bones akes.

4

1616.  [W. Haughton], English-men for my Money, C 4. Bir laken sirs, I thinks tis one a clocke.

5

a. 1625.  [see BYRLAKIN].

6